seduce

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce are roughly equivalent. However, tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment.

tempted by the offer of money

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seduce The whole thing creates a languorous atmosphere during the day, when the most action you might be seduced to take on is the walk to the massage hut for a tension-relieving rubdown. Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 16 July 2025 We’re being seduced into a world largely stripped of color in terms of the interior design, but also the people who inhabit these spaces. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 Split rumors arose when Furlan revealed that she had been seduced by a catfish posing as musician Ronnie Radke. Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 July 2025 Instead, Piero and Lara are cautiously trying to seduce one another while protecting themselves from shagging what could be a crazy person. Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for seduce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce
Verb
  • You might be tempted to jump on your soapbox and convince someone to agree with you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 July 2025
  • If these savings alone weren't enough to tempt you, then the fact that these drones are now at their lowest-ever prices might.
    Alexander Cox, Space.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • In a particularly harsh blow to Apple, Meta successfully managed to lure away the leader of the company’s AI division, Ruoming Pang, with a compensation package reportedly valued at more than $200 million.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Han alleges the woman lured 4-year-old Kyung-ha to a train station in Jecheon, roughly 40 miles from their home, and abandoned her.
    Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, the victim is persuaded to contact an IT security representative, who, in fact, is part of the ransomware operation.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2025
  • During an interview with The Standard, Ozzy admitted that even though he was intoxicated during the violent incident, that didn't persuade him to stop drinking.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Won’t tip too much of the good stuff, but there’s a depth of feeling here that’s bigger even than the one-handed no-no that enticed producer-director Mike Farrell to pursue the project in the first place.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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